The Thomas Durham School is an historic, American school building that is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1988, it is now occupied by the Independence Charter School.
Serving 796 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Independence Charter School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 43% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 796 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Independence Charter School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Independence Charter School's student population of 796 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 68 teachers has grown by 19% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
796 students
Total Classroom Teachers
68 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Independence Charter School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Independence Charter School is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1578 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
5%
Hispanic
20%
16%
Black
45%
14%
White
30%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
6%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Independence Charter School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Independence Charter School's ranking?
Independence Charter School is ranked #1578 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Independence Charter School?
796 students attend Independence Charter School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Independence Charter School students are Black, 30% of students are White, 20% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Independence Charter School?
Independence Charter School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Independence Charter School offer ?
Independence Charter School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Independence Charter School part of?
Independence Charter School is part of Independence Charter School District.
In what neighborhood is Independence Charter School located?
Independence Charter School is located in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
this is a good school and you should go to it.
2 10/10/2025
academic programs are great, music is a bit too long and dance and movement teachers are very strict, the kids are too competetive and violent and i didn't feel welcomed. they have a PTA and a bit too much is pushed on the parents. 5th grade is extremely hard with my group of kids but this year it's good
Review Independence Charter School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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